A Comparison of Online and In-Person Mock Trial: The Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Undergraduate Mock Trial

Undergraduate mock trial is an competition where undergraduate students conduct a fake trial. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, mock trial became an online activity. This paper studied the differences between the in-person and online versions of the activity, including differences in presentation, technology, and communication. Mock trial competitors and judges from around the country were surveyed about the differences. The results showed that there was a clear favor for in-person mock trial, and though online mock trial had some drawbacks, the accessibility of online mock trial indicates that it can serve as an introduction and good substitute when in-person mock trial is not available.